A therapeutic journey near Sendai: Akiu and Sakunami
Akiu Onsen and Sakunami Onsen are located approximately 30 to 40 minutes by car from downtown Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, the gateway to Tohoku. They are surrounded by lush greenery and located away from the hustle and bustle of the city and are popular spots for sightseeing and doubles as both an accommodation and hot spring.
If you want to experience the rich nature of Akiu, go to Akiu Otaki Falls. In addition to admiring the famous waterfall from the viewing platform, you can take a 20-minute walk to the basin of the waterfall and experience its power up close!
At Akiu Winery, located in Akiu Onsen Village, you can enjoy wine made from grapes grown in Akiu and also purchase some as souvenirs.
We also recommend a visit to Miyagi Prefecture's leading spiritual power spot, "Jogi Nyorai Saihoji Temple"! After praying at the shrine grounds, you can also look forward to sampling the local food on the approach to the shrine.
Take a breather in the midst of rich nature. Enjoy leisurely sightseeing in a spot filled with a therapeutic atmosphere.
Visit the designated National Scenic Spot Akiu Otaki Falls!
Akiu Otaki Falls is considered one of Japan's top three waterfalls, along with Kegon Falls in Tochigi Prefecture and Nachi Falls in Wakayama Prefecture. The sight of the entire Natori River flowing down at once with a width of 6 meters and from a height of 55 meters is truly dynamic! You can look down on the waterfall from the viewing platform, but you can also take a walking path to get closer to the basin.
You will be overwhelmed by the dynamic scenery created by nature while being surrounded by the roaring sound and mist from the water! It is also great that each season offers a different kind of beauty, such as the changing shades of the leaves in autumn and the snowy scenery in winter.
Enjoy a soothing experience with the scenery of the vineyard and make a toast with Akiu wine
Akiu Winery grows approximately 7,000 grapes on 2 hectares of land and produces wine. Twelve types of grapes are planted in the fields on the premises, and the brewery produces red wine, white wine, sparkling wine, cider, and more. At the café surrounded by vineyards, you can enjoy wine and soft drinks while looking out at the beautiful scenery from the window.
The attached shop sells a variety of wines brewed in-house from Akiu and snacks that go well with them, making for perfect souvenirs.
Jogi Nyorai Saihoji Temple, a "power spot" known for luck in love
Jogi Nyorai Saihoji Temple, affectionately known as "Jogi-san," is a temple worshiped by the common people whose object of devotion is the Amida Buddha scroll that has been passed down through the Heike clan.
It is especially known to be beneficial for praying for marriage, children, and safe childbirth. The main gate, which is registered as a Tangible Cultural Property, the Bell House, the Mausoleum for Sadayoshi Taira, the Chozu-sya (a water basin for purifying the hands and mouth), and the amulet shop are decorated with wonderful carvings, and there is also the Five-Storied Pagoda made entirely of Aomori cypress wood, and a large main hall that enshrines the object of devotion. The precincts are worth seeing!
After visiting the temple, enjoy eating local specialty foods such as Sankaku Abura-age (triangle-shaped fried tofu) and Yakimeshi at the shops along the approach to the temple.